Apple to Introduce Digital Rentals?

By Nick Mokey December 26, 2007

Apple to Introduce Digital Rentals?

While Apple already offers DRM-protected movie downloads through its iTunes distribution network, a new deal the company has supposedly cut will soon see the introduction of digital movie rentals as well. According to the Wall Street Journal, Twentieth Century Fox and Apple will soon announce an agreement that allows Fox movies to hit iTunes for rental.

The move will put Apple in direct competition with existing companies that offer downloadable rentals, such as Movielink. The company will also compete with traditional brick-and-mortar stores like Blockbuster and rent-by-mail services like Netflix.

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Since neither company has officially announced the deal, specifics such as prices, rental periods and video quality are not yet known. Currently, iTunes movie downloads cost roughly the same as physical DVD copies: $9.99 to $14.99.

The same source also reports that Apple will lend its FairPlay digital rights management technology to Fox for use on DVD releases. This would facilitate legal ripping of movies for use on personal media players like the iPod.

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Smart Home

Apple HomePod Mini vs. Apple HomePod

A white HomePod mini sitting on a desk.

Apple's HomePod mini is one of the most popular smart speakers of 2023 -- but the newly announced HomePod is going to give it a run for its money. While the miniature HomeKit hub can control your smart home gear and engage with Siri, the HomePod 2023 can do all of that while also pumping out some impressive audio. But does the HomePod do enough to warrant its $299 price tag? Here's a closer look at both the HomePod and HomePod mini to help you determine which is best for your smart home.
Pricing and availability

One of the most common complaints about the original HomePod (released in 2018) was that it was one of the most expensive smart speakers on the market. That’s still true, as the HomePod 2023 clocks in at $299.

Smart Home

Apple HomePod vs. Apple HomePod 2023

Apple HomePod second-gen.

It has been quite a few years since Apple first launched the (now-defunct) HomePod, but the old smart speaker has been given a revival. The second generation HomePod retails for $299, and it offers some serious improvements over the original. Not only does it bring enhanced audio quality, but there are plenty of other upgrades that make it much better than its older sibling. Here’s a closer look at all the differences (and similarities) between the original HomePod and HomePod 2023.
Design

When compared side by side, you won’t notice many differences between the two HomePods. The new HomePod is about 200 grams lighter than the original model and is a couple of millimeters shorter, but overall the two are very similar. The touchpad on top of the HomePod 2023 is also a bit larger and now extends almost all the way to the edge of the device. Beyond those minor differences, they both sport an oblong design and come in multiple colors.
Speakers and sound
A diagram of the second-gen Apple HomePod internals (left) seen next to those of the first-gen HomePod.

Smart Home

Apple finally activates HomePod Mini’s hidden temperature/humidity sensor

Black HomePod mini on a side table, in front of an Apple TV

Apple recently revealed its second-gen HomePod, which is set to become the company’s flagship smart speaker in 2023. Featuring the S7 chipset, spatial audio, Matter compatibility, and tons of fancy room-sensing tech, the device is certain to be a hit when it launches in February. It’ll also feature a temperature and humidity sensor. Oddly enough, so does the existing HomePod Mini -- except Apple has only just activated the feature.

Apple has kept the temperature and humidity sensor deactivated for years, although now, with the launch of a new HomePod around the corner, the company has finally gone ahead and turned on the instrument in its existing Home Mini lineup. Once your HomePod Mini receives the update, you’ll be able to use it to track both the temperature and humidity in your home, then use that information to create various automations through Apple Home.